Popular Nigerian reality TV star, Phyna, has stirred controversy on social media following her strong criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to Yelwata, a community in Benue State that was recently attacked by suspected herdsmen.
The attack, which occurred earlier this month, reportedly left over 200 people dead. In the wake of the tragedy, President Tinubu visited the state to assess the situation and offer support to victims.
During his visit, he was seen meeting with some survivors in a hospital.
However, Phyna, who rose to fame after winning the Big Brother Naija reality show, took to social media to question the authenticity of the visit and the people presented as survivors.
Phyna questions the hospital visit
Posting on her official X account (formerly Twitter), Phyna alleged that no one survived the attack in Yelwata, insisting that all victims were killed and burnt beyond recognition. She doubted the legitimacy of the photos circulating online from the President’s hospital visit.
“There were no victims in Yelwata,” she wrote. “They were all killed and burned alive. Who are those in the hospital that the President went to visit, standing on a red rug?”
She also expressed disbelief at the red carpet treatment given to Tinubu at the hospital, suggesting that it was staged for media optics. “Why are you doing a Photoshop to make us angrier? Nigeria has failed us,” she added.
Social media reacts: Mixed opinions emerge
Phyna’s post quickly gained traction, drawing thousands of reactions from social media users across the country. While some praised her for speaking out, others accused her of being insensitive or misinformed.
One user, @kakanfo, replied, “How you take know say na all of them die? Are you one of the killers?”
Another user, @legalyz, added, “There were victims. Do not say what you do not know.”
Critics also suggested that Phyna was using the tragedy for attention. @TheDecapitator tweeted, “You wan chase clout again with Benue matter?”
However, some users supported her boldness in questioning government actions. @Mrprosper tweeted, “We are doomed. Everything about this government is fake. Over 200 people killed, yet we’re visiting hired people in the hospital. God have mercy.”
@Agatha_SMM simply wrote, “It’s so sad and annoying.”
Clarifications from locals
In response to the confusion, some social media users who claimed to be familiar with the incident clarified that while the Yelwata attack was deadly, there were survivors from earlier attacks in nearby communities who were still receiving treatment.
@TessyOctober commented, “Of course, there were victims as well as people who were burnt. Some of the survivors in those pictures are from previous attacks before the one that happened in Yelwata.”
This suggests that the patients Tinubu visited may have included victims from related incidents, not just those from Yelwata.
Ongoing tensions in Benue
The attack on Yelwata has reignited long-standing tensions in Benue State, which has faced repeated violence from suspected herdsmen over the years. Local leaders and civil society groups have continued to call for stronger security measures and justice for victims.
While the President’s visit was intended to show concern and solidarity, the backlash following Phyna’s comments reveals a deeper sense of frustration and mistrust among many Nigerians.
A divided public and the role of celebrities
Phyna’s outburst reflects a growing trend where celebrities are increasingly using their platforms to comment on national issues. While this often brings attention to overlooked crises, it also risks spreading misinformation if not properly fact-checked.
As Nigerians continue to process the tragedy in Benue, the debate sparked by Phyna’s comments underscores the importance of sensitivity, accountability, and truth in both governance and public discourse.
